Strong Elite Fields Set For Honolulu Marathon

The 2023 Honolulu Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, December 10, will once again attract an elite field of men and women runners from different nations.

Men's Elite:

The men's race will be led by two Eritrean athletes, Filmon Ande and Tsegay Weldlibanos. Both have impressive personal best times, with Ande clocking in at 2:06:38 and Weldlibanos at 2:09:07.

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Joining the Eritreans in the field are two Kenyan runners. Reuben Kiprop Kerio, with a personal best time of 2:07:00, and Paul Lonyangata, with a best of 2:06:10, will also be vying for the top spot.

Both Kenyan runners have notable achievements under their belt. Kerio has made five previous appearances at the Honolulu Marathon, with his best finish being second place in 2018 in a time of 2:12:59. He boasts an impressive track record, having won the Kosice Peace Marathon in the Slovak Republic three times.

Lonyangata, on the other hand, was twice the Paris Marathon champion in 2017 and 2018. His experience in Paris will undoubtedly serve him well in Honolulu.

Completing the elite men's field is Abayneh Degu of Ethiopia. With a personal best time of 2:04:53, he boasts the fastest personal best in the field. This will be Degu's first appearance in Honolulu, but he will undoubtedly be one to watch.

With such a strong field of competitors, the men's race promises to be a thrilling showdown.

Women's Elite:

The women's elite field in the 2023 Honolulu Marathon features four standout athletes. Cynthia Limo from Kenya, making her marathon debut, is a notable contender with a half-marathon personal best of 1:06:04, equivalent to a 2:18:42 marathon. She has a strong track record in road racing, including a silver medal at the 2016 World Athletics Half-Marathon Championships. Limo will compete against two Ethiopian athletes, Sintayehu Tilahun Getahun, with a personal best of 2:22:19, and Kasu Bitew Lemeneh, who has a best of 2:26:18. 

The lineup also includes Japan's Yukari Abe, who has achieved a personal best of 2:24:02. Abe finished tenth in the recent Japanese Olympic trials marathon.

The $25,000 first prize and the allure of special gold medals will provide an extra incentive for the runners to push their limits.